Colorado Rockies 2001 Draft: They could have had David Wright if not for Mike Hampton

The Colorado Rockies didn’t have much success in the 2001 MLB Draft

Denny Neagle and Mike Hampton didn’t pan out for the Colorado Rockies as the Rockies traded Hampton to the Marlins after just two seasons (he signed an eight-year deal). Neagle only played with the Rockies for three of his five-year contract due to injuries and Neagle getting arrested.

Among the top five picks of the 2001 draft that the Colorado Rockies did not have a crack at drafting included:

• 1st overall pick C Joe Mauer, Minnesota, 55.2 rWAR (six-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger winner, three-time Gold Glove winner, and three-time batting champion).
• 2nd overall pick RHP Mark Prior, Cubs, 16.6 rWAR (one-time All-Star, 3rd in NL Cy Young voting in 2003 before injuries derailed his career)
• 5th overall pick 3B Mark Teixeria, Texas, 50.6 rWAR (three-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner, three-time Silver Slugger winner)

But one of the first-round picks that the Colorado Rockies could have drafted was future All-Star third baseman David Wright.

Wright was the player the Mets drafted with one of their comp picks from the Rockies. Wright played parts of 14 seasons in the majors (all with the Mets) and was a seven-time All-Star, a three-time finisher in the top 10 for NL MVP voting, and a two-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner.

If Wright didn’t have injuries derail his career, he would be an easy Hall of Famer but he’s most likely borderline.

The Rockies, with the last pick of the first round, drafted infielder Jayson Nix. He played parts of seven seasons in the majors but only 22 games with the Rockies and a career 1.6 rWAR. Not a great pick for the Rockies.